Christmas lights up at ‘Jingle Bell Court’

‘Tis almost the season and Bell Court is counting down the days to Christmas in style; with Father Christmas, reindeer, festive performances and Stratford-upon-Avon’s tallest real Christmas tree all set to delight visitors.

On Saturday 17 November, ‘Jingle Bell Court’ is hosting a free extravaganza in its central plaza between 4pm and 6pm, which will be jam packed with festive fun for the whole family. Bell Court will be lit up by thousands of fairy lights on its 25ft Nordman Fir tree, with guests invited to meet Father Christmas’ reindeer and even the man himself!

A brass band will be playing everyone’s favourite Christmas tunes from 2pm, setting the scene for the formal proceedings starting at 4pm.

Rozie T Dance Academy will kick off proceedings with a festive dance performance inspired by The Nutcracker, followed by the Children’s choir from Welford on Avon Primary School leading into the big ‘switch on’.

The lucky winner of Stratford’s Make a Wish Campaign will join Father Christmas on the balcony of the Everyman cinema to mark the start of Christmas in Stratford by lighting up the tree in the centre of ‘Jingle Bell Court’.

Stratford’s very own Betsy Harmony will close the event with an hour of Christmas classics.

The “Snow Queen and Empress of the North” will also be on site to launch the “Through the Wardrobe” theme for this year’s grotto at Magic Alley – where Father Christmas will be in residence from Sunday, November 18th until Christmas Eve.

Paint the town dead at Bell Court this Halloween…

Enjoy a ‘spook-tacular’ Halloween at Bell Court this October with a host of family friendly and spellbinding activities set to raise the hairs on the back of your neck…

…or hear about the centre’s very own ghostly girls – the Belles of Hell Court – a spooky tale set in 19th century Stratford.  But beware, the evening events are strictly for adults only at Magic Alley.

While you’re there, why not also stop by Generation Hex, a brand-new shop-within-a-shop catering for the magical and mystical needs of Millennials not just in Stratford but across the world. The shop has a life-size bubbling cauldron and is packed with magical and mystical goodies including fairies, crystals and unicorns!

For those who really want to test their nerves – take in a screening of the new Halloween movie at Everyman Cinema followed by a creepy cocktail or two at Ask.

Toby Saggers, Asset Manager at UK & European Investments, the owners of Bell Court, said: “We’ve got a lot of spooky activity at Bell Court this Halloween so we’d encourage guests to pop by and experience it for themselves. You may even meet our very own scary sisters – the Belles of Hell Court.”

Dave Matthews, owner of parent company STMO Media Group, adds: “The tale is about two sisters who were daughters of an ailing butcher in an area of Rother Market known as Hell Court, owing to the noises made by animals as they were slaughtered.

“The daughters weren’t allowed to inherit their father’s business – they had to be married so it could be passed on, but strangely enough their suitors kept disappearing.”

This modern reworking of the original penny dreadful tale of Sweeney Todd has been relocated to Stratford and given a gruesome twist that will definitely keep audiences on the edge of their seat.

Tickets for Halloween at Magic Alley can be booked by telephone on 01789 290969, or in person at the Magic Alley main reception – but remember to book quick, as tickets are going fast!